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Wine boats on the River Douro, Porto

The 10 best things to do in Porto | TRAVEL GUIDE

European Destinations, Travel Gratsiela

Porto was the last stop on our 10 day trip around Portugal. After a quick 24h stopover exploring the medieval streets of beautiful Coimbra, we quickly hopped on the next train to Porto and arrived in Estação de São Bento in just over an hour. The second biggest city in Portugal welcomed us with one of the prettiest railway stations in the world. An incredible hand painted tilework by Jorge Colaço featuring more than 20,000 tiles covers the main hall’s interior. These portray scenes of some of the most important moments of Portugal’s history. I couldn’t help but admire the meticulous 20th century artwork that was in front of me.

Was Porto going to be this beautiful everywhere? Uhm, YES! Porto is vibrant, colourful and full of history waiting for everyone to explore it. Here are our top 10 things to do in Porto.

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Looking at Coimbra over the Mondego River

24 Hours in Coimbra, Portugal | TRAVEL GUIDE

European Destinations, Travel Gratsiela

After some incredible days exploring Lisbon and Cascais, the beautiful city of Coimbra was the next big stop on our trip around Portugal. Located halfway between the Portuguese capital and Porto, our final destination, Coimbra seemed like the perfect location for the quick stopover we were looking for.

With backpacks full of pasteis de nata, we hopped on the first train from Lisbon to Coimbra. The former capital of Portugal from 1139 to 1250 is famous for its notable University and historical library. It was now ours for just over 24h. Here’s what to see in Coimbra in a day.

Continue Reading “24 Hours in Coimbra, Portugal | TRAVEL GUIDE”

Rossio Square from Elevador de Santa Justa, Lisbon

The 10 best things to do in Lisbon, Portugal | TRAVEL GUIDE

Around the World, European Destinations, Food and Drink, Travel Gratsiela

Welcome to Lisbon, the gorgeous city built on seven hills! There are many ways I could describe Lisbon. It’s bohemian, yet it screams romanticism all over. Lively and spirited in nature, yet life seems to go calm and undisturbed. It’s Baroque, Gothic, Romanesque…all at once! There’s always something spectacular to marvel at in Lisbon and its magic and charm seem to have persisted throughout the years. Every corner, colourful building and cobbled street hide unpredictable surprises. I’d be lying if I said that Lisbon isn’t one of my favourite dots on the map.

As you can see, Lisboa is a very special place. Of course, I couldn’t resist encapsulating everything we love about the city of Fado in a travel guide. Grab a cuppa, sit down and get comfy, this is going to be a lovely long one…

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Hiking Down Pico Ruivo, Madeira

Things to do in Madeira, Portugal | TRAVEL GUIDE

Around the World, European Destinations, Food and Drink, Travel Gratsiela

Madeira has to be one of Portugal’s best kept secrets. I honestly can’t begin to describe how beautiful this small volcanic island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is. Stupendous green landscapes cover the entirety of Madeira, turning it, somehow, into a floating garden. On one hand, the rocky mountains, moist laurisilva forests and vineyards cover the higher peaks and valleys. On the other, the subtropical palm trees and rough cliffs crown the coast. And overall, the sense of relaxing atmosphere will hit you as soon as you step on the island. Like me, you probably won’t help but think if you should just ignore your return flight and settle in a beach house in Funchal instead. Oh well.

But there is more. Madeira is full of incredible places to explore. Not to mention the exquisite gastronomy and a singular history that still lives up to this day. So where do you start? Check our list on things you must do in Cristiano Ronaldo’s birthplace.

Continue Reading “Things to do in Madeira, Portugal | TRAVEL GUIDE”